Principal GIS Engineer

Job Summary:

Ubiquity is seeking an experienced Principal GIS Engineer to lead the development, governance, automation, and optimization of GIS systems supporting fiber network engineering and operations. This role will serve as a senior technical resource responsible for the architecture, integrity, performance, and continued evolution of Ubiquity's GIS environment. The Principal GIS Engineer will work closely with Design Engineering, Field Engineering, Permitting, Construction, Operations, and other business teams to ensure GIS data and systems effectively support network planning, design, deployment, asset management, and operational decision-making.The ideal candidate combines deep GIS and fiber-network engineering expertise with strong automation, database, data-management, and process-improvement skills. This individual should be comfortable working at both the strategic and technical levels—from establishing GIS standards and architecture to developing automated workflows and solving complex spatial-data problems. This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but will provide technical leadership, establish best practices, and influence GIS strategy across Engineering and related departments.

Location:

• This role is based out of Charlotte, NC or Southlake, TX | Hybrid / Remote

Employment Classification:

• Exempt: Regular, Full-time

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, governance, standards, and data quality of GIS systems supporting fiber network engineering and operations.
• Design, develop, and implement GIS automation and workflow improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across Engineering.
• Manage geodatabase design, spatial data models, schemas, and data management processes supporting FTTH planning, design, construction, and operations.
• Provide GIS technical leadership and support to Design Engineering, Permitting, Field Engineering, Construction, and Operations.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, security, and timely availability of GIS and engineering data used for network planning, asset management, and decision-making.
• Develop GIS analytics, dashboards, reports, and visualizations to support engineering and business leadership.
• Administer and optimize Vetro & Esri enterprise GIS platforms, spatial databases, and related GIS technologies, in collaboration with IT and database teams.
• Manage GIS-related vendors, software licensing, technology implementations, and platform improvements.
• Serve as a senior GIS technical resource, establishing best practices, documentation, and standards while collaborating with cross-functional teams to continuously improve GIS capabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and / or Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in GIS, Geography, Geomatics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive GIS experience, preferably in telecommunications, fiber, utilities, engineering, or infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership within an enterprise GIS environment.
• Strong understanding of FTTH network design, architecture, construction, and deployment processes.
• Extensive experience with the Vetro and Esri ArcGIS platform, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise.
• Experience with enterprise geodatabases, spatial databases, GIS data modeling, schema development, and data governance.
• Experience with complex geospatial analysis, spatial-data management, and GIS data quality processes.
• Experience with GIS data migration, system implementations, or enterprise GIS modernization.
• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to support engineering projects and field operations.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Required Skills / Abilities:

• Strong expertise in GIS architecture, data management, geodatabase design, data governance, and quality assurance.
• Strong experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Server, Portal for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Online, and ArcSDE.
• Proficiency with spatial database technologies such as PostgreSQL/PostGIS, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Spatial, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to develop GIS automation, scripts, APIs, integrations, and automated data workflows.
• Strong Python and SQL skills with the ability to automate GIS and data-management processes.
• Ability to analyze complex spatial and engineering datasets and translate findings into practical business and engineering solutions.
• Ability to integrate GIS with network, CAD, asset management, CRM, ERP, permitting, construction, and other enterprise systems.
• Ability to develop GIS dashboards, analytics, reports, and visualizations for technical and business stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of GIS data integrity, quality control, security, and governance.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to quickly learn and work with enterprise applications such as Site Tracker, Salesforce, NetSuite, and similar platforms.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Design Engineering, Permitting, Field Engineering, Construction, Operations, IT, and other cross-functional teams.

Physical Requirements:

Definitions:

Continuously: 6-8 hours in an 8-hour day or 60 times per hour

Frequently: 3-6 hours in an 8-hour day or up to 12-60 times per hour

Occasionally: up to 3 hours in an 8-hour day or 1-12 times per hour

Never: No physical requirement

In a typical work day, the employee will be required to:

• Sit: Frequently
• Stand: Occasionally
• Walk: Occasionally
• Keyboarding: Continuously
• Fine manipulation: Continuously
• Lift: Will require capability to lift up to 15 pounds.
• Carry: Will require capability to carry up to 15 pounds.
• Travel: Rare local travel to support specific jobs and collaborate with local market teams in the field.
• Work Environment: The work environment is primarily office-based or remote, involving prolonged periods of computer use and concentration

What’s in it for you:

We truly value our employees and put their well-being first! Here we provide the following:

• Medical and Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• PTO
• 401(K) with company match
• Collegial environment of talented professionals
• Growing and well-funded company

About Us: Ubiquity invests in, develops, and manages digital communications infrastructure throughout the United States. Ubiquity partners with ISPs, wireless carriers, utilities, and municipalities to deliver connectivity and sustainability solutions in underserved communities. Ubiquity’s mission focuses on providing customer choice and spurring competition, both essential components of empowering communities for the future.

Ubiquity is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Ubiquity does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.